Bird Paradise Mandai: Unveiling the Hidden Gems of the Avian Kingdom

Overview of Bird Paradise Mandai

Bird Paradise is a bird park located in Mandai, Singapore. It opened its doors on May 8 2023, replacing the former Jurong Bird Park. Even more exciting is that it’s part of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, which includes the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, River Wonders, and the soon-to-be-opened Rainforest Wild Park. It covers a vast area of around 17 hectares (42 acres), Bird Paradise boasts larger walk-in aviaries – in fact, double the size of those at Jurong Bird Park!

In 2016, the Mandai Wildlife Group revealed plans to relocate Jurong Bird Park to a more expansive location on Mandai Lake Road by 2020. This move would unite the park with three existing wildlife parks and a new Rainforest Wild Park, creating an integrated nature and wildlife district known as the Mandai Wildlife Reserve.

The main mission of the Bird Paradise is to provide visitors with an opportunity to experience the beauty of nature through its diverse collection of birds from all over the world.

 

Building the Immersive Experience at Bird Paradise

Mike Barclay, the Group CEO of Mandai Wildlife Group, excitedly shared about the Bird Paradise, 

“Our dedicated animal care team and veterinarians have been working hard to move over 3,000 birds from Jurong to the Mandai Wildlife Reserve”. 

“This ‘great migration’ was a unique experience for both our birds and staff, and I’m thrilled to say that they’re all settling in nicely at their new home. We can’t wait to welcome everyone who’s eager to visit the Bird Paradise during this run-in period. 

Plus, we’re super excited about opening Mandai Wildlife West as a fresh, ungated community space. 

This is a significant milestone for the Mandai Rejuvenation Project, and we’re looking forward to more openings in the coming years!”

Spectacular Bird Habitats at Bird Paradise

Bird Paradise is all about celebrating birds and their amazing stories. It will serve as a home for some of the world’s most endangered species, such as Philippine Eagles, Negros Bleeding-heart Doves, Straw-headed Bulbuls, Black-winged Mynas, and Blue-throated Macaws. 

One fascinating species, the Socorro Dove, is extinct in the wild but continues to survive thanks to the breeding efforts of the Mandai Wildlife Group and other institutions focused on conservation.

At Bird Paradise, guests can witness the most extensive collection of Hornbills under human care, with numerous birds gracefully flying in several of the eight spacious walk-through aviaries. These aviaries are inspired by various habitats from around the world, offering a truly unique experience for all who visit.

Bird Paradise will be the inaugural wildlife park at the reserve to open its doors to the public. This vibrant area will host 3,500 birds from more than 400 avian species, transporting visitors into a colorful world. With a design that fosters exploration, Bird Paradise will immerse guests in naturalistic mixed-species habitats. 

The Bird Paradise Mandai features eight expansive walk-through aviaries, each representing different global biomes such as dense African rainforests, South American wetlands, Southeast Asian paddy fields, and Australian dry eucalypt forests.

Mandai Wildlife West

At Bird Paradise Mandai, operators offer guided tours and educational programs for visitors. Their interactive exhibits and hands-on activities are fun ways to learn about bird-watching while promoting environmental awareness. Bird Paradise is also a great place to meet other birders!

Embark on a journey to two anchor play areas at the Bird Paradise Mandai Wildlife West, inspired by a native Singapore species, the Sunda Pangolin. The Pangolin Adventure and Pangolin Hideout invite young guests and those at heart to imitate the mammal’s behavior, engaging in activities like climbing, burrowing, and sliding.

Throughout the Bird Paradise, educational interpretive displays provide fascinating insights into the diverse flora, native wildlife, and various ecosystems. Wander through the root-like structures at Forest Stream, inspired by mangrove forests, and pay homage to nature and the delicate riverine forest ecosystems.

At the Epiphytic Cluster, discover different species found at various forest canopy levels and their essential roles in nature. This includes orchids, epiphytes (plants that grow on other plants), and cauliflorous species (plants that flower and fruit from their main trunks or branches).

On the Foraging Trail, uncover the rich rainforest treasures, including plentiful food and medicinal resources that both wildlife and humans depend on. A Green Roof above the sheltered linkway from the multi-story car park contributes to increased biodiversity, showcasing lush displays of butterfly and bee-attracting flowering plants that draw in pollinators and host caterpillars. Green roofs also help reduce the surrounding temperature and purify the air, while using native and naturalized species in the area minimizes the need for extensive water management.

Winged Sanctuary

Winged Sanctuary, a dedicated zone within the Bird Paradise park, will house some of the most threatened species, including critically endangered birds like the Philippine Eagle and Vietnam Pheasant.

In Bird Paradise, 24% of the species will be considered threatened, making it the highest percentage of endangered species under human care in a single zoological park. 

Additionally, the park will host the world’s largest living genetic reserve of Hornbills under human care, featuring over 20 species.

Mandai Wildlife Group, the site’s operator, aims to establish the park as a unique destination for nature and wildlife activities.

Although Bird Paradise is set to open in 2023, development work for the rest of the large park is already in progress. The remaining features are expected to open progressively through 2025.

Penguin Cove

Situated adjacent to the Winged Sanctuary, the new Penguin Cove, a favorite spot from the old bird park, is a cold salt-water habitat specifically designed for penguins. Additionally, the Bird Paradise’s Penguin Cove offers a unique dining experience at the Penguin Cove Restaurant, where guests can enjoy delectable buffet spreads surrounded by an underwater environment featuring penguins.

Heart of Africa

Finished with the penguins? Venture into Heart of Africa next, the largest walk-through aviary replicating Africa’s forested valleys, complete with colorful birds residing in towering trees. The aviary also features Bee-eater’s Cliff, where you can watch bee-eater birds skillfully catch insects mid-air. Additionally, the area includes cultural elements such as Congolese pavilions and a viewing tower, offering an excellent vantage point of the African-themed habitat.

Wings of Asia

For a more localized experience, Wings of Asia is a habitat designed exclusively for Southeast Asian creatures. In this part of the Bird Paradise, visitors will discover pheasants in the undergrowth and hornbills perched in the trees. The area also features entertaining cultural elements, such as a Balinese-inspired gate, pavilions, and water-based sound sculptures, perfect for exploration and photo opportunities.

Crimson Wetlands 

Head to the third stop of the Bird Paradise, Crimson Wetlands, where visitors will be captivated by the vibrant display of Scarlet Ibises and Roseate Spoonbills soaring over marshy wetlands, set against the backdrop of a South American floating village. Don’t miss the clay lick wall, where beautiful macaws can be observed feeding, as well as a waterfall, which pays homage to the original waterfall aviary at Jurong Bird Park. Additionally, the Crimson Restaurant offers delightful views of the area and waterfall, making for a picturesque dining experience.

Songs of the Forest

Immerse yourself in a harmonious symphony at Songs of the Forest, a walk-through aviary dedicated to the melodious songbirds of Asia, including the Bali Myna, Straw-headed Bulbul, and Asian Fairy Bluebirds. This peaceful haven of the Bird Paradise Mandai features large overhanging leaves and glistening streams inspired by the riverine forests of Southeast Asia.

Mysterious Papua

Continue the adventure at Mysterious Papua, where the Birds of Paradise from New Guinea perform their vibrant courtship dances. Be sure to visit the longhouse-style bird hideout, where you can observe Papuan birds such as the Southern Cassowary, North Papuan King Parrot, and Palm Cockatoo up close!

Conservation Initiatives

Each time visitors come to one of the parks, they contribute to wildlife protection. This is because the Mandai Wildlife Group allocates a portion of their revenue to support conservation initiatives in Singapore and throughout Southeast Asia. With the visitors’ assistance, the group is making a positive impact on wildlife.

Here’s how it works.

At Mandai Wildlife Reserve, every ticket purchased and each item bought aids in the group’s efforts to safeguard wildlife. They support over 50 wildlife conservation projects in the region, focusing on species such as the Sumatran Orangutan and Singapore’s native Sunda Pangolin. That’s why every visit to their parks inherently includes a conservation component.

Directions to Bird Paradise

Address: 20 Mandai Lake Rd, Mandai Wildlife Reserve, Singapore 729825

Bus: TBD

Opening Hours: 9 am – 6 pm

Bird Paradise Price: During the soft opening period from May 8 to 26, 2023, single-park admission is available at a special rate of $38 for adults, $23 for children (aged 3 to 12 years old), and $20 for senior citizens.

Local residents can take advantage of additional savings of up to 20% by using the WildPass!

Tickets can be purchased through Klook.

Memberships

For frequent visitors, local residents can opt for the Friends of Wildlife membership starting from April 24, 2023. This membership grants year-round access to all four wildlife parks, including Bird Paradise. 

Members can enjoy priority privileges, engaging wildlife experiences, and special benefits such as discounts on food and beverages, retail, and more. 

The annual fees begin at $195 for Friends of Wildlife, which offers annual access to Bird Paradise, Night Safari, River Wonders, and Singapore Zoo with three blackout dates and a parking pass for multi-storey car parks at Bird Paradise and Singapore Zoo with a $30 top-up fee. 

The Friends of Wildlife Plus membership costs $245 and includes annual access to Bird Paradise, Night Safari, River Wonders, and Singapore Zoo with no blackout dates, as well as a complimentary parking pass for multi-storey car parks at Bird Paradise and Singapore Zoo.

Conclusion

With its diversity of species, engaging bird-watching experiences, captivating aviaries and exhibits, Bird Paradise Mandai is truly a paradise for all bird enthusiasts. If you’re looking for an engaging way to spend your day or weekend with family or friends, this place certainly fits the bill!

If you want to know about Tree-Top Walk Singapore, read our post here!